Karravaan

The story

Karravaan: Silk Road Flavors in Washington, DC – Michelin Recommended

Flavors of the Silk Road — Lost Then Found

Karravaan, which opened in Washington’s Union Market District in 2025, is built around a compelling idea: the dishes and techniques that traveled the ancient Silk Road, many of which have faded from memory, deserve a second life. Chef-owner Sanjay Mandhaiya describes the restaurant as “a culinary experience interweaving modern concepts with the rich flavors, spices and techniques from the diverse cultures along the ancient Silk Road.” The kitchen blends timeless favorites, lost recipes, and unexpected combinations into something that feels both rooted in tradition and refreshingly new.

The approach has quickly drawn attention. Karravaan earned a place in the MICHELIN Guide 2025, was named one of the 38 best restaurants around D.C. by Eater, and made The Washington Post’s list of Top 40 Restaurants in D.C. Resy noted how the restaurant “deftly marries the flavors and traditions of the Silk Road.”

The Chef and Team

Chef Sanjay Mandhaiya brings more than thirty years of experience to the kitchen. Raised in a diplomatic family, he spent his childhood across several countries, an upbringing that gave him an early appreciation for global cuisines and cultural exchange. That breadth is visible in his cooking, which blends authenticity with inclusivity. Before Karravaan, Mandhaiya opened Pappe in Logan Circle in 2018, which quickly became a neighborhood favorite. At Karravaan, he is joined by Culinary Director Randall Matthews and Beverage Director Stefan Sokic.

The Space and Experience

The restaurant’s tagline — “Lost then found” — speaks to the kitchen’s mission to revive and reinterpret. Plates are described as bold, regional, and artfully finished, celebrating tradition with a modern touch. The atmosphere, glimpsed through the gallery, is polished and inviting. Karravaan serves dinner nightly, weekend brunch, and a three-course express lunch on Thursdays and Fridays, alongside a late-night happy hour. It also offers private dining, catering, and event services.

For diners seeking Asian cuisine that tells a story — one of movement, trade, and rediscovery — Karravaan delivers a journey worth taking.